v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Nov. 03, 2018
shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]  
Entity Registrant Name Cato Corp
Entity Central Index Key 0000018255
Document Type 10-Q
Document Period End Date Nov. 03, 2018
Amendment Flag false
Current Fiscal Year End Date --02-02
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Small Business false
Common Class A [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number) 22,844,871
Common Class B [Member]  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (actual number) 1,763,652